A major £1.5 million resurfacing project on one of Edinburgh’s major arterial routes will start next week. Work on the main road stretching from South Bridge to Newington Road is expected to take three months and will mean considerable disruption for both commuters and local residents.
The Council’s roads team have notified residents and businesses along the stretch of the A7 from Newington Road (just north of Salisbury Place) to Hunter Square ahead of the three-month project, which is due to get under way on a phased basis from tomorrow (Monday 9 April).
As well as completely resurfacing the carriageway working south to north, the works will also include upgrades to three junctions, at East Preston Street, Bernard Terrace and West Richmond Street. Traffic signal equipment will also be upgraded, pedestrian crossing points and footways improved and cycle parking provision increased.
The council says the corridor has been prioritised for resurfacing because of its current condition. As well as improving the travel experience for all road users, the project will enhance the appearance of the carriageway while also helping to reduce noise from passing traffic.
The main resurfacing works will be carried out in the evening/night and as such the contractor is permitted to work Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.00pm – 3.00am (NB the noisiest works will be restricted to pre-23:00 to keep disruption to a minimum).
There will also be some off peak (09:30am – 3.30pm) daytime works to upgrade the traffic signal equipment at various stages throughout the project.
To allow for the safe execution of the works, a temporary traffic regulation order will be promoted to suspend on-street parking and close some side roads along the extent of the works, although access will be maintained via temporary diversion routes.
The work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and on-street notices will display any changes to the parking restrictions or access. Throughout the programme, emergency vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained.
Phase 1 – Newington Road to Lutton Place – will include upgrading the signalised junction at East Preston Street.
Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “These are very significant works to vastly improve the quality of the road surface and travel experience for everyone heading in or out of town along the A7, whether they’re walking or going by bike, bus or car.
“We recognise that major projects like these unfortunately can’t happen without some inconvenience to people’s daily routines and we will make every effort to communicate alternative routes and to keep noise and disruption to a minimum. This is a major £1.5m investment in one of Edinburgh’s principal arterial routes and I’m sure everyone who lives, works or commutes along the route will welcome the improvements.”
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